The Phillies have released Luis Castillo.

March 30, 2011 12:07 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry®ReplyRetweetFavorite

@ToddZolecki

Todd Zolecki

That was quick

According to Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki, Brad Lidge is still experiencing shoulder pain and will begin the season on the DL.  The Phillies are still the favorites to win the NL East and potentially the NL in everyone’s minds, but questions are certainly beginning to pile up.

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According to Todd Zolecki’s twitter feed, the Phillies have activated Relief pitcher Clay Condrey from the DL and designated Tyler Walker for assignment.

Tyler Walker was 1-0 in 9 games this year pitching 11 innings to a 1.64 ERA, my guess is someone picks him up.

Condrey was 4-2 with a 3.71 ERA in 33 games this year (34 IP) before being injured.

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Petey to Philly

According to Todd Zolecki’s twitter the Philadelphia Phillies have signed Pedro Martinez for 1M and a possible 1.5M Additional in incentives.   An official announcement is on its way tomorrow. I will update with more information as it becomes available.

Pedro went 5-6  with a 5.61 ERA in 20 games started for the Mets last year while battling injuries and is 214-99 with a 2.91 ERA in his hall of fame career.

The biggest news of the day appears to be that according to many reports, including Todd Zolecki’s Twitter, that former Met Pedro Martinez is on his way to Philadelphia.  His latest news says that the physical may not be completed until tomorrow, but a deal is expected by Wednesday.

Zolecki also speaks to different Philly players who send a message to management that they want Halladay.

1st time All-Star Jayson Werth said “”I understand all that, We won last year and we pretty much have the same team this year. If you were ever going to sell the farm I think now would be the time. But that’s just me speaking who has a short window of a career. Ruben (Amaro Jr.) and those guys are going to be there for a long time. It’s a lot to leverage, I know. But I think we’re definitely in a situation where if we did go for it, it could pay off.”

Zolecki includes quotes from Charlie Manuel and Ryan Howard as well in his article.

Finally, the starting lineup is announced and it includes five NL East position players, not bad for what most(including their own fans) label as a terrible division.  It also includes Shane Victorino who Charlie Manuel chose to start for the injured Carlos Beltran in Center field.  The lineup is as follows:

Hanley Ramirez SS

Chase Utley 2B

Albert Pujols 1B

Ryan Braun RF

Raul Ibanez LF

David Wright 3B

Shane Victorino CF

Yadier Molina C

Tim Lincecum P